Stranded passengers leave cruise ship stuck in Quebec City

QUEBEC – Hundreds of passengers stranded since last weekend on board a cruise ship with mechanical problems have finally left the luxury liner.

The MS Veendam was supposed to sail from Quebec City to Boston on Sunday on a Canada-New England cruise, but that never happened.

A statement from Holland America Line says the sailing was cancelled because one of the ship’s propellers required repairs.

Spokesman Erik Elvejord says in an email that some of the 1,303 guests stayed aboard for the last couple of days, but all have now quit the vessel and arrangements have been made to get them home.

The ship was originally scheduled to set sail Sunday afternoon on a seven-day cruise after an overnight stay at the port of Quebec City.

The Seattle-based company’s email also said all booked guests will receive a full refund of their fare and all shore excursions that were booked through Holland America. They will also get a credit towards a future cruise

On Monday, the ship had to be moved to another berth to accommodate other ship traffic and tugs were needed because of high winds.

The cruise line pointed out Wednesday that all guest services and safety systems on the ship were fully functional.

It is due to be in Boston before Oct. 4 when another cruise to Quebec City is due to depart.

But Elvejord said an assessment to determine what repair work is required is still ongoing.